Electric Locking Structure for Exercise Machine Resistance Motor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional exercise machines with pull rope resistance mechanisms face issues where the traction member cannot be retracted to its original position without power, leading to obstruction and disturbance during use, especially after the brake member becomes worn.
Innovation Solution
An electric locking structure for a resistance motor of an exercise machine, comprising a frame, resistance motor, rotary disk, locking disk, traction member, locking bolt, electric control unit, and power storage unit. The electric control unit selectively moves the locking bolt into or out of locking spaces on the locking disk to lock or unlock the resistance motor, preventing the traction member from being pulled out arbitrarily.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a brake member is used to prevent the pull rope from being pulled out, then the pull rope can be restrained when the motor is turned off, but the brake member becomes worn over time and the friction force weakens, making it impossible to prevent the pull rope from being pulled out effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical friction-based brake system with an electric locking system. The locking bolt, actuated by an electric control unit (motor or solenoid), engages with locking spaces on the locking disk to prevent rotation. This substitution eliminates the wear problem inherent in friction-based braking while maintaining the ability to restrain the pull rope effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the locking mechanism from friction-based (continuous contact) to engagement-based (discrete positioning). The locking bolt engages with specific locking spaces at predetermined angular positions, transforming the continuous friction force into discrete mechanical engagement. This parameter change from force magnitude to positional engagement eliminates wear while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent the traction member from being pulled out, then the reliability improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional components like locking bolt, locking disk, and electric control unit
Solution Approach 1:
The locking disk serves multiple functions: it provides the locking spaces for the locking bolt to engage, it transmits rotational motion from the motor to the reel, and it provides the mechanical interface for the electric control unit. By making the locking disk multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate dedicated locking components, thereby managing complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The electric control unit acts as an intermediary between the control system and the mechanical locking components. It converts electrical signals into mechanical motion to actuate the locking bolt, providing a compact and controllable interface that simplifies the overall system architecture compared to direct mechanical actuation mechanisms.
3Device complexity
If friction force is used to prevent the pull rope from being pulled out, then the structure is simple, but the force required to overcome the friction is significant and the brake member wears out quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the friction-based mechanical brake with an electric actuated locking system. The locking bolt engages positively with the locking spaces, providing mechanical restraint without relying on friction. This substitution reduces the force requirements while eliminating wear, as the engagement is based on geometric interlocking rather than frictional resistance.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The electric locking structure effectively prevents the traction member from being pulled out arbitrarily when the resistance motor is stationary, allowing for easy retraction without power, thus eliminating obstruction and disturbance, while also simplifying the structure and reducing energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a return spring on a rear section of the locking bolt behind the stop ring. The return spring is elastically held between the stop ring and an inner wall of the retaining seat
Implementation Method 2
The electric control unit includes an axle, a control disk fixed to the axle, and a cable. The control disk is connected to the locking bolt through the cable for moving the locking bolt to be in or out of any one of the locking spaces
Data Source
AI summary
An electric locking structure for a resistance motor of an exercise machine, includes a frame; a resistance motor having an output shaft for outputting a resistance force; a rotary disk connected to the output shaft; a locking disk connected to the output shaft and having a plurality of locking spaces; a traction member for pulling the rotary disk to overcome the resistance force; a locking bolt, movably disposed on the frame; an electric control unit, connected to the locking bolt; and a power storage unit, electrically connected to the electric control unit. The electric locking structure can prevent the traction member from being pulled out arbitrarily and not being able to be retracted.